Chapter 113: The Ten-Million-Dollar Club

In the office of Orion Pictures, Arthur leaned back in his chair, tapping on the table, "Kevin Costner's salary has exceeded ten million dollars now, right?"

Amy Pascal nodded, "With the backing of an Oscar, pretty much. His agent wants him to have some decision-making power in the choice of director and script revisions!"

"A salary over ten million dollars means the budget for The Bodyguard will likely exceed thirty million," Arthur said as he looked at the choices for the director and female lead laid out on the table.

"Whitney Houston just released her third album at the end of last year and performed at the Super Bowl this year. She's at her peak, so we can consider her. Kevin Costner would likely have no objections to partnering with her. Offer him ten million for his role and let him be the producer of The Bodyguard, with a two-million-dollar incentive bonus!"

"So, if The Bodyguard makes a certain profit margin, he could earn twelve million from a single movie?" Amy Pascal was surprised. A ten-million-dollar salary was the mark of a superstar these days.

Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford, Clint Eastwood, and Tom Cruise, who had just joined the ten-million-dollar club last year.

And now Mel Gibson, who got ten million for Lethal Weapon 3 this year, added Kevin Costner to the list!

Arthur rubbed his eyes, "Kevin Costner has two movies coming out this year: a drama JFK and a historical war film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. They should do well. By the time The Bodyguard is released next year, his popularity will be through the roof. Let's get in touch with Kevin Costner's team; we can afford a budget of over thirty million dollars."

Amy Pascal nodded and pointed to another script, "The script for A Few Good Men has already been sent to Tom Cruise's agent team. Given Tom Cruise's consistent demands, the budget for that project certainly won't be less than thirty million dollars!"

Arthur scoffed, "Tom Cruise's salary alone is at least twelve million, and he likes working with top directors. Supporting roles can't be just anyone. Kevin Costner's The Bodyguard and Tom Cruise's A Few Good Men, we'll fund them through a credit loan from Salomon Brothers Bank. They won't oppose such projects!"

There were still twenty-five million dollars left from the forty million dollars in loans from Japanese banks, which would be used to develop Schindler's List and to prevent Steven Spielberg from going over budget.

The profits from Sleeping with the Enemy and Dances with Wolves would be used for marketing and operating costs for upcoming releases like The Silence of the Lambs and Scream.

Galaxy Orion had just sold four films, raising twenty-five million dollars. With The Silence of the Lambs set to be released next month, Arthur had enough funds to develop more movies.

"Arthur, Viacom has sent a message hoping to promote their film To Die For at the Cannes in May," Amy Pascal smiled. "You're not just the producer but the lead actor, right?"

"The Cannes Film Festival!" Arthur nodded. "I'll be there. Didn't I also promote Sleeping with the Enemy at the Venice Film Festival last year?"

Sleeping with the Enemy had grossed nearly eighty million dollars overseas, making Columbia Tristar very happy.

"I'll also look for some worthwhile investment projects at Cannes or purchase some foreign films for release in America," Arthur said. Orion couldn't just distribute its productions alone, after all.

"Alright, I'm meeting with Al Pacino tonight to talk about Scent of a Woman," Arthur said as he stood up, "It's a low-budget drama. I wonder what Al Pacino thinks about it."

By noon, Arthur had left Orion and arrived at Jennifer Connelly's home. Her latest movie The Hot Spot just released and grossed 4.02 million dollars in its opening weekend.

The film received poor reviews, and most of the audience was attracted solely by Jennifer Connelly's seductive image.

"Alright, just be more careful in the future," Arthur said as he sat on the sofa, comforting Jennifer Connelly.

Jennifer Connelly nodded, "I'll maintain control over my career and image and win the audience's respect through my acting. Indie films and supporting roles are fine as long as they downplay the influence of looks and body."

Arthur shook his head and kissed her cheek, "Commercial films also need sexy women like you to spice them up, but be mindful of your limits."

Jennifer Connelly hugged Arthur's neck and whispered, "Yesterday, one of my college professors pointed out that my scene riding the mechanical bull in Career Opportunities had 'sexual connotations.' I don't want to become an erotic star, Arthur, will you help me?"

"Of course, take a break and don't accept any other scripts this year," Arthur said, "Galaxy has a project Scent of a Woman to film this year. Al Pacino is cast as the lead. There's a young, pretty female role you can cameo in. It might be a small part, but there's a tango scene with Al Pacino that's pivotal to the film. It will definitely remind people of your stunning performance as Deborah in Once Upon a Time in America."

Jennifer Connelly smiled, "I have a script called The Heart of Justice, full of gratuitous sexiness. I'll have my agent turn it down. No more of that kind of script for me!"

Arthur smiled and pinned Jennifer Connelly to the sofa. "Tonight, I'm meeting Al Pacino. Come with me."

"Sure," Jennifer Connelly said as she provocatively unbuttoned her shirt, "Arthur, congratulations to your company for winning the Oscar for Best Picture!"

"I like this kind of congratulations," Arthur said as he unclasped the bra of the woman beneath him, revealing her perky 32D breasts.

Arthur kissed her, "From now on, leave your acting affairs to a professional agent and let your mother stay out of your career decisions, okay?"

"I understand. I will have more control over my career," Jennifer Connelly replied. Many of her previous roles had involved her mother's input, pushing her towards a more provocative image.

"By the way, Billy Campbell hasn't been bothering you, has he?" Arthur asked seriously.

"No, we'll only cross paths during the promotion of The Rocketeer. We don't have any other contact," Jennifer Connelly said, and then she leaned in to kiss Arthur.

*****

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